"
Worried is not the right word," Priest said. "I know what kind of crowds we are going to
see early in the season. We will have some weekday crowds of 8,500, potentially."

The smallest gate in franchise history: 9,717 fans for a game Nov. 11, 2007, against St.
Louis.

The team's poor record last season - the Jackets finished 14th in the Western Conference - its
losing history and the stagnant economy have made for an unsavory stew.

The inability to move six- and 10-game plans, Priest said, is where the Jackets really notice
the shortfall.

Priest and general manager Scott Howson were among front-office members who called some season
ticket-holders in the offseason.

"There is not an urgency to buy season tickets," Priest said. "The frustration over last season
has them in a wait-and-see mode, and I understand that. We have to be better. But what should not
be lost is the fact we have almost 8,000 fans who are loyal and strong."

Camp opens

The Jackets opened training camp yesterday morning in front of more than 1,000 fans in
Nationwide Arena.

The pace for both practices was quick as veterans began learning coach Scott Arniel's system. He
taught basics regarding the forecheck and coverage assignments in the neutral and defensive
zones.

"We didn't want to overload it," Arniel said. "I think they have an idea about how we want to be
aggressive and how we want to skate, how we want to take away time and space. We'll follow up on
it."

Tough start

Alternate captain R.J. Umberger already was ailing when he arrived at the rink. He required an
intravenous treatment before taking the ice.

Things got worse in the first drill as a puck struck Umberger in the face. He didn't leave
practice but needed stitches above his right eye. He also had a welt there.

"It felt like a ton of bricks hit me," Umberger said.

Special adviser Hitchcock

Former Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock, fired midway through last season, has learned of his
duties as a special adviser.

He will travel the continent evaluating the club's junior and college prospects and serving as a
scout. He also will advise the club's minor-league staff in Springfield.

Hitchcock, who has two seasons remaining on his contract, will report to Priest and Howson.

Slap shots

The Jackets will have their second Owner's Cup tournament at 10 a.m. today in the arena. The
Jackets were expected to play an exhibition game in Sweden on Oct. 5 against a team featuring
players from bitter rivals Malmo and Rogle. But fan hostility has forced a change in plans. The
Jackets will play only the squad from Malmo.